Statement from Dr. Chris Simpson, President, Canadian Medical Association on Opposition Motions on the Supreme Court of Canada ruling on physician-assisted dying

OTTAWA, Feb. 24, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association welcomes today's debate on the Supreme Court's decision on physician-assisted dying in the House of Commons. The CMA recognizes the important leadership role to be played by the federal government on this issue. We will be seeking to work with legislators in the drafting of any new law governing medical aid in dying to ensure patient needs are respected and the physician perspective is reflected. Canadian doctors believe it is of the utmost importance that all new legislation, confirmed by the Supreme Court in the Carter case, permits physicians to follow their conscience in choosing whether to participate in medical aid in dying.

Along the way, we must not forget the importance of the need for better palliative care in Canada. As important and historic as the Supreme Court ruling has been, good palliative care will always be the cornerstone of quality end-of-life care. This was one of the important messages we heard in the town hall meetings the CMA held last year across the country.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 80,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is helping physicians care for patients. The CMA will be the leader in engaging and serving physicians and be the national voice for the highest standards for health and health care.